FPs were left dismayed but not shocked as Aberdeen City Council once again confirmed that Aberdeen is closed for business as they rejected an offer to renovate and re-establish a grass square at Rubislaw. Despite FPs offering to fund the project in full and the proposal being backed by the FP Executive, the Grammar School and Councillor Malik, the council in the guise of the Rubislaw Field Committee rejected the plan.
It had been hoped that a new way of working under the 1923 agreement or a re-negotiated new agreement could be reached on the overall running of Rubislaw. However, as this was not resolved, The unelected council officials opted to play petty politics, advising they ‘can’t do anything with this until we get a new agreement’. FPs tried to point out the council were being foolish in that someone (FP Cricket)wants to spend money (which the council don’t have) on improving the facilities at Rubislaw – so why block this? However, the council were not for moving on the matter rejecting potentially £5,000+ of free upgrades, denying many youngsters and senior players the opportunity of improved facilities. Ironically, the agreement which the council are so keen to refer to, calls for a grass wicket to be available in the summer season, yet the same council has allowed the present square to completely decay and now refuse to let someone else renovate something they failed to maintain. It seems that a 90 year old agreement only is relevant when it suits the argument.
FP cricket will consider the decision further before deciding the next steps, although remain hopeful that eventually common sense will prevail.
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